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Hockey has a rich history in Hampton Roads, combining a tradition of winning and developing future NHL players while providing top-notch entertainment to millions of fans. This tradition dates back to the 1970s with several minor league teams. However, it was not until 1989 that hockey took permanent root in the area.

The Hampton Roads Admirals began play during the 1989-90 season in the upstart East Coast Hockey League. From 1989-90 to 1999-2000, the Admirals won three league championships while averaging nearly 7,000 fans per game. The team was seen as a blueprint for running a minor league hockey franchise and is largely credited with helping the ECHL grow from an eight-team league to the premier ‘AA’ hockey league that it is today.